Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over the next 50 years the number of people in this country 65 and older will double to 92 million. For some context, that’s more than the population of New York, California, and Texas — combined.

Those are staggering statistics, more so because they’re really about all of us — if not now, then some day. And we all share the hope — for ourselves and for our loved ones — to age as gracefully as possible and with our dignity intact.

Last week, I met with Chari, who shared the story of her aging parents. It’s a story notable for its ubiquity. Chari’s parents had robust lives down in Florida until her mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and dementia. Chari’s father devoted himself tirelessly to caring for his wife. And then, within a very short window, her father’s health declined and he died.

There was a lot of going back and forth for Chari and her siblings while searching for a facility in New York. No place felt right until they discovered Sarah Neuman’s Small House Communities in Westchester, run by the UJA-Federation-supported New Jewish Home. Following the acclaimed Greenhouse model, these beautiful, homey living spaces are shared by a small group of seniors with loving staff. Residents have a say in everything. As Audrey Weiner, the president & CEO of the New Jewish Home, commented: it’s “a kibbutz meets a commune meets a college dormitory.”

Living at Sarah Neuman has had a restorative impact on Chari’s mother — she recently celebrated her 84th birthday with all the residents of her house who’ve become like family.

Chari’s story, of course, could be any of ours, and these situations will become far more common in the years to come. That reality requires that we focus even greater attention on meeting the needs of people as they age.

We at UJA-Federation are committed to supporting this field. For example, we’re assisting the New Jewish Home in bringing the Greenhouse model to Manhattan, in what will be the very first such nursing home in a high-rise urban setting.

Beyond the New Jewish Home, we’re also helping to support DOROT, Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, JASA, MJHS, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Selfhelp Community Services, and other agencies and community centers that are committed to making life better for people as they age.

“Do not cast me off in old age; when my strength fails, do not forsake me.” (Psalm 71:9)

Acting together as a community, we never will.

Shabbat shalom